- Uttarakhand · Garhwal Himalayas
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
- with Deoriatal
- Book Now — ₹6,500/- per person onwards
- Walk to the world's highest Shiva temple and watch the sun rise over the Garhwal Himalayas.
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- 1000+ Trekkers
- Certified Guides
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3,980 m
Max Elevation Chandrashila
26–28 km
Distance Total trek
4N / 5D
Duration Rishikesh–Rishikesh
Easy–Moderate
Difficulty Beginner friendly
Mar–Jun · Sep–Dec
Best Months Year-round trek
Up to 20
Group Size Small batches
- Overview
Why the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is Uttarakhand's most complete Himalayan experience
If you could design one Himalayan trek to hand a first-timer as proof of what the mountains are capable of, it would look a lot like the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek. In four nights and five days, you get a mirror-still alpine lake, a thousand-year-old temple standing at the edge of the sky, a summit that shows off half the Garhwal skyline in one sweep, and forest trails so quiet you can hear your own footsteps change rhythm with the altitude.
The trek begins at Sari village, a small settlement tucked into the folds of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Rudraprayag district, and threads together four separate destinations that most trekkers spend years trying to visit one at a time: Deoriatal, Chopta, Tungnath Temple, and the Chandrashila summit. Each has its own character. Deoriatal is contemplative — a lake so still it duplicates the entire Chaukhamba massif on its surface. Chopta is the meadow you never want to leave, often nicknamed the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Tungnath is sacred ground, the highest Shiva temple on the planet at 3,470 m and the third stop on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. And Chandrashila, at 3,980 m, is the payoff — a 360-degree amphitheatre of snow peaks that includes Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and Bandarpunch, best seen at first light when the sky turns the colour of embers.
What makes this trek genuinely special isn’t just the individual stops — it’s how accessible the whole experience is. You don’t need mountaineering experience, specialised gear, or weeks of training. You need reasonable fitness, warm layers, and five days. That combination — spiritual depth, visual drama, and low barrier to entry — is exactly why the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek consistently ranks among the most-searched and most-booked treks in Uttarakhand, and why it works equally well for a solo first-timer, a family with older kids, or a group of friends looking for a long weekend that actually feels like an adventure.
Unlike many Himalayan treks that shut down for eight months of the year, this one is walkable in every season, each with a completely different personality — rhododendron-red in spring, monsoon-green in July (though we don’t recommend this window), crystal-clear in autumn, and snow-blanketed in winter. Few treks in India offer that kind of year-round versatility while still delivering a genuine high-altitude payoff above 3,900 metres.
Chopta itself sits roughly 450 km from Delhi and around 190–200 km from Rishikesh, making it a realistic long-weekend trip from North India without the multi-day approach that treks further into the interior Himalayas demand.
- The Four Pillars
What you'll actually experience on the trail
01
Deoriatal — The Lake That Mirrors the Mountains
Deoriatal sits at approximately 2,438 m, about 3 km of uphill walking from Sari village through dense oak, rhododendron, and ringal bamboo forest. It’s a small lake by Himalayan standards, but its stillness is what makes it famous — on a clear morning, the entire Chaukhamba massif (6,995 m) reflects on the water with almost no distortion, a scene that photographers plan entire trips around.
The lake also carries genuine mythological weight. It appears in the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas are said to have rested by its banks, and it’s associated with a well-known story in which Yudhishthira faces a divine test at the water’s edge. Locals still refer to it with quiet reverence rather than as a tourist stop, and camping beside it — watching the color drain from the sky and the stars take over — is one of the most talked-about nights of the entire trek.
The Four Jewels of This Trek
The Chandrashila Trek combines sacred temples, alpine meadows, Himalayan panoramas, and mythological sites, offering one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic and spiritually enriching trekking experiences.
Deoriatal — The Mirror Lake
Deoriatal sits at 2,438 metres, just 3 km above Sari village. It’s a sacred lake surrounded by ringal bamboo and rhododendron forests, with the kind of stillness that makes you forget your phone exists. The morning reflection of Mount Chaukhamba (6,995 m) in the emerald water is one of those images that stays with you. Mythologically, this lake appears in the Mahabharata — the Pandavas are said to have rested here, and Yudhishthira is believed to have had a divine encounter at its banks.
Chopta — The Silent Meadow
Chopta itself, sitting at 2,680 m, is a long meadow flanked by oak, deodar, and rhododendron forest. It’s the base for the Tungnath trek and a place where people often just linger — watching the sunset paint the Himalayan peaks, sipping tea at a small dhaba, and breathing air that doesn’t feel like it belongs to the same world as city life. Often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’, Chopta is 450 km from Delhi and an easy gateway from Rishikesh.
Tungnath Temple — Lord of the Peaks
The name Tungnath translates to ‘Lord of the Peaks’, which tells you everything. Perched at 3,470 m, Tungnath is the third temple of the Panch Kedar circuit (alongside Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar) and is believed to be over a thousand years old. According to legend, it was built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war at the place where Lord Shiva’s arms appeared. The temple opens every year in April/May after the winter closure.
The view from Tungnath’s courtyard — Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, Nilkantha — is already extraordinary. The summit takes it further.
Chandrashila Summit — The Moon Rock
Chandrashila means ‘Moon Rock’ — a name that feels earned when you see the moonrise from here in winter. The summit at 3,980 m is the highest point of this trek and the culmination of everything. On a clear day, you can see Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath peak, Bandarpunch, and the Gangotri group. There’s a small temple at the top dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sunrise view from Chandrashila is often described as one of the finest in the entire Garhwal region.
Quick Facts
Everything you need to know before starting the trek.
Base Camp
Sari Village
Pickup
Natraj Chowk, Rishikesh
Nearest Railway Station
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport
Temperature
Summers: 25° Max / 10° Min · Winters: 18° Max / -5° Min
Mobile Network
Sari/Chopta: Jio/Airtel/VI available. During trek no networks available.
Electricity
Chopta is the last point with electricity. Note: Electricity is intermittent and can be absent for most of the day during winter/late summer (when monsoon starts).
Last ATM
Ukhimath / Rudraprayag, on the way to Chopta. Note: ATMs in hilly regions are often non-functioning.
Detailed Itinerary
Click below to download the full detailed itinerary as PDF.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Sari Village (Base Camp)
Embark on your adventure from Rishikesh to Sari Village, the base camp for the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek. The journey takes you through the heart of Uttarakhand — passing through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath — transitioning from the bustling spiritual life of Rishikesh into the tranquil and majestic settings of the Himalayas. As you travel, the landscape gradually shifts, offering glimpses of rural mountain life and the natural beauty that characterizes this region. Reach Sari village by evening. Overnight stay in homestay/hotel.
- 🛣️ Distance: 200 km (Drive) ·
- ⏱️ Time: 7–8 hrs from Kathgodam
Day 2: Sari → Deoriatal → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila Summit
Early morning trek from Sari to Deoriatal lake (3 km uphill) — a pristine emerald lake offering breathtaking reflections of Mount Chaukhamba. After spending time at the lake, descend back to Sari and drive to Chopta (approx 35 km). From Chopta, begin the steep but rewarding 3.5 km trek to Tungnath — the world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,470 m. Continue another 1.5 km ascent to Chandrashila summit (3,980 m) for jaw-dropping 360° views of Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, Nilkantha, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Kedar Dome. Descend back to Chopta. Overnight in camp/hotel.
- 🥾 Trek: ~12 km · 🛣️ Drive: ~35 km ·
- ⏱️ Time: 8–10 Hours
- 📍 Max Alt: 3,980 m
Day 3: Chopta to Rishikesh
After breakfast, depart from Chopta for the return journey to Rishikesh. This marks the end of your trekking adventure as you retrace the route back through the scenic landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. The drive back offers a final opportunity to reflect on the experiences and vistas of the past days. Expected arrival in Rishikesh by evening (approx 7:00–8:00 PM). Trek concludes with unforgettable memories.
- 🛣️ Distance: 200 km (Drive)
- ⏱️ Time: 8–9 Hours
Things to Carry
A well-packed bag makes for a smooth trek. Here’s our recommended checklist.
- Basic Gears
- Backpack
- Trekking Shoes
- Trekking Pole
- LED Torch
- One Water Bottle (one litre)
- Lunch Box
- Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)
- Clothes
- Trekking Jacket
- Warm Layers
- Two trek pants
- Full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
- Thermals (1 pair)
- Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
- Lip Balm (SPF 30)
- Synthetic hand gloves
- Woolen Cap
- Three pairs of Socks
- Raincoat/Poncho is a must
- Others & Documents
- Daypack (Recommended) for summit Day
- Plastic cover (for wet clothes in winters and rainy season)
- Original government photo ID (Passport / Aadhaar / Driving License / Voter ID)
- Photocopy of the same ID
Best Time for the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
One of the best things about this trek is that it runs throughout the year — just with very different flavours depending on the season.
March to June — Spring Bloom (Best for First-Timers)
The rhododendron forests are in full fire — brilliant reds and pinks cascading down the hillsides. The weather is mild, trails are clear, and the Himalayan views are crisp after winter. April and May are the sweet spot. Late May to June brings warmer days and some pre-monsoon cloud, but remains beautiful. This is the most popular period and the best time for the Chandrashila trek if you want the full visual experience.
July to August — Monsoon (Not Recommended)
The valley turns a lush, deep green — undeniably beautiful. But rain means slippery trails, landslide risk on the road, leeches in the forest, and often clouded mountain views. Unless you’re an experienced trekker who doesn’t mind the uncertainty, it’s best to avoid July–August.
September to November — Autumn Clarity (Best for Peak Views)
Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear and the air is crisp and cold. The Himalayan peaks appear closer than they should. October is arguably the finest month on the entire Chopta Tungnath trail. Forests are golden, crowds are moderate, and the full panorama from Chandrashila is at its sharpest. Highly recommended.
December to February — Winter Snow Trek
If you’ve done summer treks and want something more challenging and ethereally beautiful, the Chopta Tungnath winter snow trek delivers. The trail is blanketed in white, temperatures plunge to -5°C to -15°C, and the entire landscape becomes monochrome and magical. Note that Tungnath Temple is closed (deity shifted to Mukkumath), and you’ll need microspikes, proper layering, and a guide. Suitable for trekkers with some prior experience.
| Season | Months | Highlights | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Mar – Jun | Rhododendrons, mild weather | First-timers, families |
| 🌧 Monsoon | Jul – Aug | Lush green, risky roads | Not recommended |
| 🍂 Autumn | Sep – Nov | Crystal clear views | Best panoramic views |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec – Feb | Snow trail, magical skies | Experienced trekkers |
Inclusion & Exclusion
Complete cost breakdown — know exactly what’s covered in your Chopta Chandrashila trek package.
Inclusions
- Transport support from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.
- All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
- Hotel accommodation in Sari/Chopta in triple sharing for first and last day.
- Triple sharing Tent accommodation throughout the trek.
- Professional guide, cook and support staff.
- Rent for camping equipment.
- Clean sleeping bags and mats.
- Good quality ¾ or 4 season 'A' shaped or dome tents.
- Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents.
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (non-Indian passport holders: additional charge).
- Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment (NOT personal luggage).
- All applicable taxes.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions.
- Accommodation in Dehradun.
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
- Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage – Can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg).
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Packages
All our Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek packages are designed to give you a seamless, worry-free Himalayan experience from the moment you step into our vehicle at Rishikesh to when you return. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s covered.
Package Pricing
Standard Package | ₹6,500/- per person (group of 6+) |
Small Group / Couple | ₹7,500/- per person (group of 2–5) |
Private / Custom Trek | On request — contact us for quote |
Advance to Book | 30% advance to confirm your slot |
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, reduce, or amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges. Any cancellation made within 15 days of arrival will be 100% non-refundable. Bookings made under non-cancellable or non-amendable packages or rates cannot be canceled or amended, and the full amount of the advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply if guests do not show up.
For all bookings other than non-cancellable ones, if the guest does not show up, the complete booking will be non-refundable. If the guest chooses to check out early, one night’s room rate, including taxes, will be charged. No cancellations will be accepted over the phone or via WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email confirmation you received at the time of booking to request a cancellation.
No refunds will be provided in case of problems arising due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we usually have a backup plan ready and will proceed with that. Sometimes, we may have to cancel activities mentioned in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
If a trek is called off at the last moment due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances (such as rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strikes, or bandhs), participants will be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount. This voucher can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package of equal value, subject to availability.
If a trek or trip has to be aborted midway due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be provided. Mountainiax will not bear any extra expenses due to such natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.
Refund Policy
The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines:
Note: The above-mentioned refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses that may have been incurred for hotel booking or transport etc. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Gallery
A glimpse of the beauty that awaits you on the trail.
FAQ's
What is the difficulty level of Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is rated Easy to Moderate, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trail involves gradual ascents and descents, with a few short steep sections between Tungnath and Chandrashila summit.
What is the best time for Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
The trek can be undertaken throughout the year. The best months are March to June (spring with rhododendron bloom) and September to November (clear Himalayan views). December to February offers a magical snow trek experience, while July–August (monsoon) is best avoided due to landslides.
What does 'Tungnath' mean?
‘Tungnath’ literally translates to ‘Lord of the Peaks’. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,470 meters and is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Is electricity available during the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
Electricity is available only at Sari and Chopta. Beyond that, there will be no electricity during the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Carry power banks or solar chargers for your devices.
Is mobile network available during the trek?
Mobile network (Jio, Airtel, VI) is available till Chopta. Beyond Chopta — at Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit — connectivity is non-existent. This will be a perfect opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
At Sari and Chopta, we offer stays in homestays/hotels providing a glimpse into the local culture. During the trek, accommodation is provided in tents at designated campsites on triple sharing basis.
Is the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek suitable for children?
Yes, children can do the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek, but it depends on their age and fitness level. The trek is classified as easy to moderate. It’s recommended that children should be at least 8–10 years old, physically active, and able to handle long walks and the cold conditions at higher altitudes. Proper preparation and guidance are essential to ensure their safety and comfort during the trek.
Where can I store my extra luggage during the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
You can store your extra luggage at the base camp hotel/homestay in Sari or Chopta. Many guesthouses and trek organizers offer secure storage facilities, allowing you to leave behind any non-essential items and carry only the necessary gear during the trek.
Is the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek suitable for someone with no prior trekking experience?
Yes, as a beginner, you can absolutely join the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek with Mountainiax! This trek is considered easy to moderate and is one of the best options for first-time trekkers. Our team ensures proper guidance, acclimatization, and safety measures throughout the journey. We also help you prepare with fitness tips and gear recommendations before the trek, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginners.
When does Chopta Tungnath valley turn into full bloom of flowers?
The Chopta valley comes into full bloom during the spring months, typically from late March to early June, when red and pink rhododendrons cover the entire valley. During monsoon (July–August), the valley turns lush green with wildflowers, creating a stunning landscape against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Is Tungnath Temple open all year?
No, Tungnath Temple is closed during winters (typically November to April) when the deity is moved to Mukkumath village. However, the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila summit can still be done throughout the year — it becomes a beautiful snow trek in winter.
Ready to Trek Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila?
Whether you’re a first-time trekker standing at Natraj Chowk in Rishikesh wondering what you’ve got yourself into, or a seasoned hill-goer coming back for a winter snow trail — the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek has something to offer every single time.
It’s a trek where you walk through forests that smell like cedar and rhododendron, reach a temple that’s been standing for a thousand years, and summit a peak that shows you the full Himalayan amphitheatre in one unbroken sweep. It’s accessible, affordable, and genuinely extraordinary.
Starting from ₹6,500/- per person, with departures throughout the year, certified guides, and a team that’s been doing this for years — booking with Mountainiax means your mountain days are in good hands.
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